Michigan White Chili
Michigan White Chili offers a creamy, hearty bowl filled with tender chicken, green chilies, and aromatic spices. Its mild yet flavorful profile makes it perfect for cozy family dinners or gatherings, providing a comforting and satisfying meal with a unique twist on traditional chili flavors.
Ingredients
- 2 (15 oz.) cans chicken broth ⓘ
- 1 large onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 tsp. minced garlic ⓘ
- 1 (4 oz.) can chopped green chilies with juice ⓘ
- 1 (48 oz.) jar Great Northern beans with liquid ⓘ
- 2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 tsp. leaf oregano, crumbled ⓘ
- 3 to 4 dashes Tabasco or pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 to 1 1/2 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts ⓘ
Instructions
- Bake the chicken breasts at 350°F for 30 minutes, then cool and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large pot, combine chicken broth, chopped onion, minced garlic, chopped green chilies with juice, and Great Northern beans with liquid.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Add ground cumin, crumbled oregano, and optional dashes of Tabasco or cayenne pepper to taste.
- Return the cooked chicken pieces to the pot and stir well.
- Simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve hot, garnished as desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or sour cream at the end. If you want to increase the protein, white beans can be swapped for chickpeas. Feel free to adjust the spice level with more or less Tabasco or cayenne pepper according to your taste. This dish can also be made in a slow cooker, similar to Pork In A Crock-Pot.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Michigan White Chili with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a dollop of sour cream on top for added flavor. It pairs wonderfully with cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping. For a complete meal, consider serving alongside a simple salad or browse more Chicken recipes to complement your dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a pot over low heat, adding a little chicken broth if it thickens too much. Alternatively, you can microwave portions in a covered bowl, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Michigan White Chili contains roughly 832 calories, with 17g protein, 107g carbohydrates, and 42g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (90% of the Daily Value), vitamin A (48% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (44% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1541mg per serving (67% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned chicken instead of fresh chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use canned chicken to save time. Just add it at the end of cooking to heat through, as it's already cooked. However, using fresh chicken gives a better texture and flavor, so it’s worth the effort if you have the time.
Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes, this Michigan White Chili is naturally gluten-free as it contains no wheat products. Always check the labels of canned goods like broth and beans to ensure they are certified gluten-free, especially if you have dietary restrictions.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with additional beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. You can also enhance the flavor by adding diced bell peppers and mushrooms for a heartier texture.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).